CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – In a collaborative effort to aid a number of families who will be affected by an impending demolition inside the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division Military Reservation Area in Brgy. Patag, the 4ID and the Local Government Units of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental will join hands to address the necessary needs of the residents.
In a series of coordination meeting on Monday, February 5, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4ID, met with CDO 1st District Representative Atty. Lordan Suan, CDO Mayor Rolando Uy and Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia to discuss the situation and positively committed to ensure that the impending demolition will be carried out with utmost sensitivity to the well-being of the residents.
In a briefing presented by the Division Real Estate Office (DREO), more or less 427 families or 1,974 individuals will be affected by the said demolition. The land where their houses were built was declared as a military reservation area based on the Presidential Proclamation No. 265 s.1938 and pursuant to Supreme Court Ruling on November 20, 2013, on July 13, 2022 denying the petitioners appeal for lack of merit that seeks to reverse and set aside supreme court resolution and last year 2023 decision with finality and executory. Further, the 4ID together with the Brgy. Patag Officials conducted a Pre-Demolition Conference on September 15, 2023 in anticipation of the challenges that may arise due to the demolition.
Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II said they recognized the potential impact of the situation to the affected families, and as responsible stakeholders, the Command and the LGUs are closely working together to facilitate the smooth transition for the affected residents, prioritizing their safety and welfare throughout the process.
Moreover, amidst unprecedented challenges, the 4ID Commander is optimistic enough that the situation will end well and is hopeful that the military reservation will be utilized properly for the betterment of service to the people and the communities in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region.
“We understand the difficulties faced by the affected families, and the 4ID as well as the LGUs are committed to provide them with the necessary assistance. We also express our gratitude to our Local Chief Executives for always extending their helping hands to us. This collaboration aims to make certain of the welfare of the affected families and help them rebuild their lives. As the 4ID continues its quest to attain lasting peace and inclusive development in the region, we hope to sustaining stronger partnerships with our stakeholders, an instrumental key in addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering reconciliation, and promoting sustainable socio-economic progress,” Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II added.
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